Troy University News

October 22, 2003

Contact:
Tom Davis
Troy Office of University Relations
334/670-3196
tomdavis@troy.edu

Office of University Relations
253 Adams Administration
Troy, AL 36082
(334) 670-3196
(334) 670-3274 (fax)

TROY STATE UNIVERSITY
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FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 1-334-670-3196

   Homecomings are special for TSU grad after close call in Iraqi War
   U.S. Navy Lt. Commander Scotty McDonald may never look at college homecomings the same again.
   For McDonald, a 1987 graduate of Troy State University, his homecoming in Troy this past weekend marked the first time he has visited his alma mater since his brush with death in combat while flying a mission over the Iraqi Desert in April.
   Last weekend, McDonald was given a hero’s welcome in Troy, as he was introduced on the field during a timeout at the football game. He received a personal word of thanks from Gov. Bob Riley and TSU Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr.

   “I have known Chad for five years and we had been planning this for some time, especially when I found out that Troy State was on the schedule to defeat Virginia at its homecoming,” McDonald said. “Chad is a pretty diehard Cavs fan.”
   Here is their story: On April 2, McDonald, a radar intercept officer, and Vincelette, a pilot, were forced to eject from their F-14 Tomcat fighter jet at 20,000 feet after mechanical problems caused engine failure. The ejection put them in the war fields of southern Iraq. The accompanying fighter jet called in for a rescue crew to quickly get them out of danger, then talked with the downed pilots via radio to let them know help was on the way. This was the first confirmed report of a fighter going down in Iraq.
    Both pilots only suffered minor injuries. They spent almost two hours in the Iraqi Desert at night eluding enemy capture until rescue parties arrived.
    “I was just glad for all of that repetitive training we have to do,” McDonald said. “It prepared me for what we had to face.”
   McDonald, who is stationed in Norfolk, Va., said he was “humbled” by the warm reception and hearty round of applause he received at Troy on Saturday afternoon.
   “I appreciate the attention,” he said. “I wish the guys who are over in Iraq day in and day out defending us could receive some of this attention.”